Replacing rotting timber and outdated fixings with durable metal components, creating a safer, smarter growing space for generations to come
When Laneshaw Bridge Primary School in Colne got in touch about their deteriorating polytunnel, it was clear the structure was no longer fit for purpose. As part of our ongoing support for local growing initiatives, Northern Polytunnels offered to donate a complete refurbishment of the tunnel, ensuring that the school’s gardening club could keep growing.
Why the original tunnel failed
The tunnel, originally built with timber components, had seen better days. Over time, the wooden base rails and door frames had split, warped and rotted badly. The hinged doors had become unusable, held open only by a spade and a garden fork, and the polythene cover had torn where it had been fixed with nailed battens (a method still used by some UK manufacturers). The structure looked tired, run-down, and had become a safety concern.
“The doors weren’t shutting. They were just falling all over. It was just a mess. An absolute mess,” said Joanne Nutter, who runs the school’s Growing Gardeners’ Club.
The deterioration wasn’t just cosmetic. The club, which works with Year 1 children each week, relied heavily on the tunnel to germinate seeds and shelter growing crops.
“Without this refurb, we wouldn’t be able to do it at all,” said Joanne. “This is where everything grows. It’s the heart of what we do.”
How we rebuilt it, and why it will last
Our team got to work, first removing the rotten timber components, a process that exposed the full extent of the decay. Images from the project show a large pile of warped, splintered wood, brackets pulling away, and extensive rot along the base rails. If this tunnel had been constructed with metal components originally, the school would have only needed to replace the cover, a job that takes around half a day. Instead, the majority of the structure needed rebuilding.
The refurbishment included:
- Replacing all timber base rails and end frames with metal components
- Upgrading hinged doors to space-saving, durable aluminium sliding doors
- Installing a new polythene cover, fixed with wiggle wire for easy future replacement
The difference is striking. The refurbished tunnel looks cleaner, neater, and far more resilient. The new metal frame won’t warp or rot, and the smart bracketry will last for decades to come. Compared to timber structures, which often fail over time, this all-metal upgrade clearly highlights the long-term benefits in the ongoing debate around a timber vs steel polytunnel. It’s also now a safer and more accessible space for young gardeners.
“Once all this gets levelled out with stone, it will generate more space and easier access,” said Joanne. “You have to remember, they’re only five years old. It’ll be a lot safer now.”
The sliding doors alone have reclaimed several square metres of growing space. Where previously the doors swung inwards and needed propping open with tools, they now glide neatly along the frame, with no trip hazards or space wasted.
For Joanne and the children, this isn’t just a tunnel. It’s a classroom, a growing space, and a place of pride. The Growing Gardeners’ Club teaches children about food, nature, and responsibility, all values that align with the ethos of initiatives like the Soil Association’s Food for Life and the Forest School movement, both of which champion outdoor learning.
“They love watching the seeds sprout and grow,” said Joanne. “They’ll come back the next week and it’s popped its little head out. Then they say, ‘It’s grown this big already!’ They’re learning so much from just getting stuck in.”
A lasting legacy for the Growing Gardeners’ Club
While the pupils have now broken up for summer, the newly refurbished tunnel was revealed to them before the term ended, and their reactions said it all. From amazed faces to curious questions, the excitement was clear. One Year 3 pupil exclaimed, “I’ve seen it – doesn’t it look well good!”
The tunnel has always been a place of joy and discovery for the Growing Gardeners’ Club, and it’s clear that it holds a special place in the children’s hearts. Joanne shared letters from pupils filled with heartfelt thanks, colourful drawings, and notes describing how much they love their time gardening. These simple expressions of gratitude are a testament to the impact that a safe, inspiring space like this can have on young learners.
When the children return in September, they’ll find a tunnel that’s ready for them to dig, plant, learn and grow for many more to come.
Joanne also runs a plant sale each year to fund future supplies, making the club self-sustaining and giving pupils a sense of ownership over their work.
“Honestly, I can’t thank Northern Polytunnels enough for everything you’ve done,” said Joanne. “This means we can keep going, year after year.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve supported a grassroots growing initiative. In Pickering, we helped the Nettles & Petals community garden take root, another example of how a robust polytunnel can transform a local space. Read the full story here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Timber is prone to rot, warping, and splitting over time, especially in wet UK weather. These issues can lead to loose fixings, structural instability, and costly repairs or full replacements. Steel, by contrast, resists these problems and offers decades of reliable use.
With proper maintenance and periodic cover replacements, a galvanised steel-framed polytunnel can last decades. The structural components are engineered to withstand British weather and won’t rot like timber.
Sliding doors save space, reduce trip hazards, and won’t swing into your growing area or blow open in the wind. They’re especially valuable in smaller or high-traffic tunnels like those used by schools and community projects.
We use wiggle wire and aluminium base rails, a reliable, reusable system that keeps the cover tight and secure without causing damage. It’s a major upgrade over nailed battens, which often tear through the polythene as timber deteriorates.
Thinking long-term? So are we.
Whether you’re supporting a school, community project, or planning your own garden setup, choose a tunnel that’s built to last. Get in touch to discuss how Northern Polytunnels can support your growing goals.
👉 Contact us today or explore our range.
